Farmers’ Union Meeting

Northland Age, Volume IX, Issue 38, 16 February 1940, Page 1

Farmers’ Union Meeting

Co-operative Droving of Culls Advocated by Kaitaia Branch

With Mr. T. S. Houston in the chair, nine members of the Kaitaia branch of the Farmers’ Union met in Foster’s rooms on Wednesday evening. Correspondence was read by the secretary, Mr. E. W. Hansen, from the Centennial Committee and from the Pig Marketing Association. The first was in connection with previous correspondence between the. Union and the Centennial Committee in Kaitaia regarding the supplying of separate restroom accommodation for Maoris and Europeans. ■ The Committee further stated that it would welcome a representative of the Farmers’ Union to its number. Mr. J. C. Marsh was appointed to represent the Farmers’ Union on the Centennial Committee. A lengthy discussion then ensued upon the organisation of the Centennial Committee and sub-committees and upon the plans of the library and rest room which already had been sent south for approval. Drives of Cull Cattle A circular from the P.M.A. was then read asking members to assist in co-operative drives of cull cattle to the Works, and making various

suggestions for distinctive identifiation brands. A very long discussion followed, members agreeing that the elimination of the “middle man” in cattle dealing would be very advantageous provided that suitable branding could be adopted so that there would be no danger of mixing the different lines of stock. It was also suggested that if the scheme was taken up a regular drover, whb was not personally interested in the sale of the cattle, should be employed. A motion was carried unanimously that the scheme should be given a trial, each member undertaking to make the matter as well known as possible in his own district. Price of Hides Further matter for discussion was the price of hides and whether or not they were covered by any Government subsidy or marketing scheme. A motion was passed instructing the secretary to write to the provincial secretary asking him for an outline of the position relating to hides.